- By Swati Singh
- Fri, 18 Apr 2025 06:02 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Kaafir on OTT: Kaafir, starring Dia Mirza and Mohit Raina, is now streaming on Zee5. The movie revolves around the tragic story of a Pakistani woman, named Shehnaz Parveen, played by Dia Mirza, who was jailed for years in India. This came after Parveen tried to commit suicide and was carried across the border by a rushing river and was declared an illegal immigrant in India. Tragedy struck when she was locked in Indian jail and what she faced during her term is beyond tragic. Here is a real-life story of Shehnaz Parveen who was sent from India to Pakistan (her home) in 2003:
The tragic real-life story of Shehnaz Parveen
Shehnaz Parveen, who belonged from the village of Haryan in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, threw herself in the Jhelum river in 1995. She took this drastic step to escape a husband and in-laws who tortured her for failing to bear a child. Unfortunately while giving her life in Jhelum, she was carried by the river’s swift current into Indian territory, where border guards rescued her and turned her over to Indian police. Parveen was convicted of entering India without documents and was sentenced to one year in jail. She also spent three months in jail in Poonch where she was raped by the prison guard. Later, she gave birth to a daughter, Mobin. She was asked to abort the child but she refused to do so, calling it Allah’s gift.
Shehnaz’s prison term ended in 1997 and by the time she was being sent to Pakistan, the latter refused to accept Mobin as she was considered an Indian citizen.
Reacting to Pakistan’s decision, S.S. Ali, director-general of prisons in Kashmir had said, “Technically she is an illegal entrant and had been booked under the Enemies Ordinance Act. So we had to take her back into custody again. Since the daughter is too small, we have allowed her to stay with the mother. Mobin could not be handed over to the father because he is charged with raping the mother.”
Shehnaz Parveen and Mobin were stranded in India after Mohammad Din, the father, was suspended and tried for his alleged actions. Mobin attended school escorted by a constable, while Shahnaz feared returning to Pakistan due to the risk of "honor killing." Human rights activist Kamlesh Lakhanpal petitioned the UN to intervene after Pakistani authorities refused to let them return, suggesting India grant Shehnaz citizenship due to her trauma and tensions between the two countries.
Did Shehnaz Parveen go to Pakistan?
Shehnaz Parveen's brother credited human rights activist A K Sawhney for saving her life, thanks to his efforts in her case. The court ruled in her favor, granting her guardianship of her daughter Mobin, recognizing her Indian citizenship and awarding compensation. Mobin’s father was convicted for the rape, while arrangements were made for Shehnaz and Mobin to return to Pakistan, with assurances of support and acceptance from their family. However, concerns remain about societal acceptance and protection for Mobin.
